Cricket: Match referee quashes ball-tampering allegation

An unsourced report on cricinfo said Sri Lankan officials were concerned by footage of Australian paceman Peter Siddle, who took 5-54. Photo / AP

A ball-tampering allegation against Australia is not the subject of a formal complaint, Test match referee Chris Broad says.

Website cricinfo and a Sri Lankan newspaper are both reporting that the tourists' management has discussed a claim with Broad that Australian players were seen picking the ball's seam during the first innings.

An unsourced report on cricinfo said Sri Lankan officials were concerned by footage of Australian paceman Peter Siddle, who took 5-54.

Newspaper the Daily News claimed two "prominent Australians'' were noticed picking the seam.

"It is hoped that an inquiry will be held and that if the story is true, appropriate action will be taken and the culprits exposed,'' the report read.

Broad issued a statement saying he'd received no formal complaint.

"ICC match referee Chris Broad is aware of the media reports coming out of Sri Lanka on the ball issue,'' it read.